Preparing the next generation of scientific and technological leaders.
Aug. 28-31, 2023 | Atlanta, GA
NextProf Nexus is a three-day program that is part of a nationwide effort to strengthen and diversify the next generation of academic leaders in engineering. This preeminent event is designed to give participants the opportunity to explore and prepare for a faculty position in academia.
Join a select cohort of diverse engineering Ph.D. students, recent doctoral graduates and top faculty and deans from around the country. NextProf Nexus is designed to encourage academic careers from traditionally underrepresented U.S. demographic groups and is open to individuals of any ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ability, veteran status, socio economic status, first generation to college status, and religion.
We strongly encourage women and traditionally underrepresented groups at U.S. institutions who are senior-level Ph.D. candidates, postdoctoral researchers or early-career scientists and researchers in the field of engineering to apply.
Attendees will leave NextProf with a clear understanding of the academic job market and how to navigate the rigors of first faculty positions.
- Meet mentors and future collaborators
- Attend panel discussions with successful faculty
- Learn about the faculty search process
- Prepare for the academic job market
- Plan for the rigors of first faculty positions
- Understand how to build a successful research program
Applicants may either apply directly to the workshop or be nominated by a faculty member. The deadline to apply is Monday, May 1, 2023.
Faculty Members: to nominate a NextProf applicant, please see "Nominate a Candidate" below.
Applicants: please follow the instructions below.
Application Materials
- Current CV in PDF format. Save the file as “Last Name-First Name_CV.pdf”
- A statement of your interest in the NextProf program addressing the following:
- What interests you about an academic career?
- Which of your experiences in research, teaching and/or mentoring have shaped your future career plans
- What do you expect to gain by participating in the NextProf Workshop?
Your statement should be no more than one-page, single spaced, 12-point font (Arial or Times New Roman). Include your name and date at the top of the page. Save the file as a PDF with the filename format “Last Name-First Name_Interest.pdf”
- A diversity statement that describes your past experience with activities to support diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, as well as your future plans for engagement on these topics during your professional career. One of the NextProf Nexus host institutions, UC Berkeley, provides THIS helpful resource for crafting this statement.
Your statement should be no more than one-page, single spaced, 12-point font (Arial or Times New Roman). Include your name and date at the top of the page. Save the file as a PDF with the filename format “Last Name-First Name_Diversity.pdf”
For suggestions regarding the statement of interest, please refer to the selection criteria above.
Letter of Recommendation
Applicants must obtain a letter of recommendation from a faculty member or supervisor. Please note: if you were nominated for the NextProf Workshop by a faculty member, you do not need to complete this section or share the recommendation form link.
Applicants may upload the letter of recommendation with their application or share the recommendation form link below with their intended advocate. The form includes a brief questionnaire and instructions for submitting a PDF letter of recommendation, which should address the following:
- The candidate’s preparedness and readiness for a faculty position.
- The candidate’s research and level of scholarship, teaching ability and commitment to diversity and excellence.
NextProf Nexus is a three-day workshop taking place in Atlanta, GA from August 28 through August 31, 2023. Travel details and costs will be arranged for accepted applicants.
Important Deadlines
- Application Deadline: May 1, 2023 at 5:00 PM EDT
- Applicants Notified of Decision: Week of June 19, 2023
- Deadline to Accept Offer: July 7, 2023 at 5:00 PM EDT
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Have an interest in a faculty career in engineering
- Must be a 4th+ year PhD student, postdoc, or recent graduate by fall
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Have a demonstrated a commitment to diversity and excellence
One requirement is a statement that demonstrates a commitment to diversity – describing your past experience with activities to support diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, as well as your future plans for engagement on these topics during your professional career.
Here are some suggestions that might help you prepare your statement.
- Can you describe a personal experience that shaped your attitude about the importance of diversity in academic leadership?
- Are you involved in committees or groups that work to engage your community on issues around diversity?
- In a faculty position, what are some strategies you might pursue to help achieve goals related to your commitment to diversity?
An ideal NextProf candidate can express a passion for teaching and interest in making engineering academia a more inclusive and rewarding experience for all students, and has a desire to positively influence institutional conversations about diversity.
All costs, including travel and lodging, are covered for accepted applicants.
NextProf Nexus 2023 will be hosted at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA. For more information and questions about the 2023 program, please consult the FAQ or contact 2023Nexus@umich.edu.
To nominate an applicant, please follow the Nominate a Candidate button below. Indicate "I would like to nominate an applicant" on the nomination form when prompted. Please notify your candidate and inform them that they will need to submit a separate application to the workshop.
You will also be required to submit a letter of recommendation that assesses the candidate's preparedness and readiness for a faculty position. In doing so, please address the candidate's research and level of scholarship, teaching ability, and commitment to diversity and excellence. Please submit nominations by May 1, 2023.
For general information about the NextProf workshops, please visit the NextProf website.
We are planning on having the workshop in-person at this time. However, the wellbeing of our community and guests is our top priority. We will continue to monitor safety guidelines related to COVID-19 for group gatherings.